“You found thesaurus.com I see”
When Doctor Samantha Carter sent out her new paper for review – “Instance or Amalgam: The many faces of Jane Dough” – the other scientists had enough questions for ten papers. Mouri had her own little section in it – Dr. Carter thought Jane Dough II, III, IV, and V had a psychic link of some sort, with how hone of them leaning a new trick led to the others learning it so quickly – Mouri argued it was just ‘Jane’ knowing what she needed to be told.
They worked long nights, they invited addendums, on legal discussion and brain development things, and finally the paper was ready to publish.
Scientists were surprised and skeptical. But then it was on the news, but not in a nice way. “ARE YOU A COPY?” headlines read.
Mouri, knowing her name was on the paper, didn’t visit Usha or any of the sisters, afraid she might be leading people to their secret – and Ami had to tell them.
Mouri worked long days sorting through letters, sending out free copies of the paper, while Dr. Carter faced the news cameras that sometimes came. She was tired and lonely. But sometimes, she got a fan mail – people encouraged to be themselves, or doodles what they thought Jane Dough looked like or could do. Mouri carefully packed these for when she could get them to the sisters.
She didn’t let herself get scared by the crazy letters… but once or twice she went to the police and reported them.
Eventually response papers made it through peer review – they weren’t written by people who knew who Jane Dough was, so the name became a sort of abstraction for people to argue over. And finally, Mouri felt it was safe to see her girlfriend.
But. How was she going to have an intimate romantic dinner for 5?
With candles. And a good mix of music. And three dishes she knew everyone could find a favorite in.
But when they all walked in – It was not Sophi, Vedika, Biralee and Usha. It was Usha, Usha, Biralee, and Usha.
Biralee shook her head when Mouri looked at her, “They said you’d been gone for so long you needed to be reminded. But it just seems like a mean prank to me.”
Mouri quickly regained her composure. “Reminded of how hot a girl I landed? I don’t think I need it, but I’ll certainly take it.”
She led each of her girls to their seats, whispering little compliments in each ear. Even as she wooed 4 at once, she searched for any little tell that could be Vedika or Biralee – but found none.
“There was a sick day or two while you were gone. Usha needed cover – she’s still only part time, and so many days visiting the university lab.”
“Only Ami even knew what was happening.”
“She wanted to put a mark on my wrist.”
“Mine too!” the others piped up in unison.
Biralee just stared on at the proceedings. Maybe she wasn’t missing out on that much.
At the end of the meal, the Usha’s stood up, taking each other by the waist, and lined up in front of Mouri.
“You’re going to have to choose one to take to bed.”
“We’ll give you two chances, and a hint in between.”
This sounded familiar. She examined the trio carefully… settling on the one in the center, pulling Usha to her side.
“Do I win?”
The two remaining Usha silently negotiated. The one on the left stepped forward and remolded herself a Sophi. “I promise, this is the face I’ve been wearing lately. So. Do you want to trade or stay?”
“One moment,” Mouri stepped away from the Usha beside her, and gave Sophi a long, deep kiss. Then she stepped the Usha that had formerly been on the right – and she got her own, with a little more pizzazz.
She stepped back. “You know the Monty Hall problem is wrong, don’t you? The first question is random choice. The second is if you were right the first time – but this wasn’t random. I know I’m right.”
The Usha that Mouri had pulled to her side got biggest kiss. As their lips separated, a newly restored Vedika was bouncing with excitement. “But how did you know? How did you know?”
“My Usha? put herself on the edge if she doesn’t have to?”
As most of the sisters bid farewell with a final hug, Usha relaxed on Mouri’s couch.
“You know, you could have Rina tonight, if you were interested. She doesn’t even have clothes to wear to bed.”
“Perhaps another night. It’s Usha I’ve missed.”
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